BIRMINGHAM, England (Kyodo) — Paris Olympic bronze medalists Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama claimed the women’s doubles title Sunday at the All England Open Badminton Championships in an all-Japanese final against Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto.
Shida and Matsuyama, who were champions in 2022 and runners-up last year, prevailed 21-16, 14-21, 21-17 in a tense 83-minute battle at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.
“Every year, we talk about wanting to win this tournament,” Shida said.
“We were disappointed to finish as runners-up last year, but I’m really happy we won this time.”
Matsuyama said going up against veteran compatriots Fukushima and Matsumoto added a special dimension to the final.
“We were really happy that we were able to play the final with our seniors,” she said.
